---
title: "How It Works | Nido ABA"
description: "How to get started with ABA at Nido ABA: reach out, check coverage, BCBA assessment, then a treatment plan and your first session."
url: https://nidoaba.com/how-it-works/
---

1. [Home](https://nidoaba.com/)
2. How it works
Four steps

# Getting started, one step at a time

Starting ABA can feel like a lot. Here's the real sequence, from your first message to your child's first session. We'll be with you at every step.

[Start intake](https://nidoaba.com/contact/) [Insurance details](https://nidoaba.com/insurance/)

## The four steps.

From your first message to your child's first session.

Step 1 of 4

### Reach out

Tell us about your child

Send the intake form or email us. Share a little about your child, your goals, your city or town, your insurance and your preferred language.

We'll get back to you within one business day to talk through next steps and answer your questions.

#### Helpful to have

- Your child's age
- Your insurance information, if you have it
- A few notes on what you'd most like help with

Step 2 of 4

### Check coverage

We look into your benefits

We check your benefits and explain, in plain language, what your plan covers and what it needs before ABA can start.

Many plans ask for an autism diagnosis and a referral or prescription for ABA. If something is missing, we'll tell you what's needed and help you plan the next step.

#### Helpful to have

- Your insurance card
- Your child's diagnostic report, if you have one
- A referral or prescription, if your plan needs it

Step 3 of 4

### BCBA assessment

Getting to know your child

A Board Certified Behavior Analyst meets you and your child, learns about your family's priorities, observes your child, and completes a skills assessment.

Some plans need approval before the assessment. We'll handle that request with you.

#### Helpful to have

- Past evaluations or reports
- Your child's IEP or IFSP, if they have one
- Your top two or three goals

Step 4 of 4

### Treatment plan and start

Your plan, then your first session

Your BCBA writes an individualized treatment plan with clear goals and recommended hours, and reviews it with you. If your plan requires it, we send it to your insurance for authorization.

Then we match your child with a therapist, set a schedule that works for your family, and start sessions.

#### Helpful to have

- Your weekly schedule and preferred session times
- Questions about the plan, big or small

## Once sessions begin.

Starting is just the beginning. Here's what continues as your child grows.

- ### Progress reviews

  We track your child's progress and review it with you regularly.
- ### Plan updates

  Goals change as your child grows, and the plan changes with them.
- ### Parent training

  Regular time with your BCBA so you feel confident between sessions.

## How long does it take to start?

It depends mostly on insurance and paperwork, like a diagnosis, referral and authorization.

We'll keep you updated at every step so you're never left wondering. Want to know what your plan needs? [See how coverage works](https://nidoaba.com/insurance/).

## Keep reading

[Our services](https://nidoaba.com/services/) [Insurance](https://nidoaba.com/insurance/) [Questions parents ask](https://nidoaba.com/faq/)

## Ready for step one?

Tell us a little about your family and we'll get back to you within one business day to talk through next steps and coverage.

[Start intake](https://nidoaba.com/contact/) [Read the FAQ](https://nidoaba.com/faq/)